Dar Tamazerte

“Fully-staffed private villa for 4-8 with peaceful gardens and astonishing poolside views of the Atlas Mountains, just 28km from Marrakech”

Set in 1.5 acres of walled subtropical garden and surrounded by palms and olive groves, Dar Tamazerte is an exclusive 2-storey villa in the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. The modern, sand-coloured building mixes contemporary and traditional Moroccan flourishes and is one of several residences on a tranquil estate. Families and groups of friends will enjoy the stylish indoor and outdoor communal areas - including a refreshingly large pool - but there are also plenty of private moments to be had on the terraces attached to each of the 4 spacious bedrooms (3 doubles and a twin).

Guests have shared use of a clay tennis court, and an exercise room - none of which ever get very busy. A live-in cook and housekeeper provide an extra dash of luxury, leaving you with more time to laze around and enjoy the view, explore the Berber villages of the beautiful Ourika Valley, or go shopping in the souks of Marrakech - just a half hour drive away. Come evening, watch the stars from the roof terrace, or gather around the roaring fire in the cosy lounge. Heavenly.

A little extra

for i-escape guests

2 bottles of wine at time of stay (or 1 bottle for reduced occupancy)

Highs

Spacious and serene, with stunning mountain views

The friendly, live-in staff provide excellent service without being obtrusive

We loved the delicious breakfasts. Other meals are available on request, including traditional Moroccan dinners and tempting French baking

Handy for day trips to Marrakech and hiking in the Atlas Mountains - you can even soar above them in a hot air balloon

An English-speaking concierge is on hand to arrange transfers and activities, and smooth out any language problems

Lows

It can be hard to find (do book a transfer from the airport) and is a little isolated - but this seclusion makes it wonderfully relaxing

Brush up on your French to communicate with the talented cook - you’ll be reliant on her for meals (the villa is not suitable for self-catering)

You'll need to drive to local restaurants if you want a change of scene

3-night minimum stay and all bookings are totally non-refundable

Best time to go

“Dar Tamazerte is open all year and is available when the owners aren’t in residence. The bucolic Ourika Valley is at its best from February to April, when the almond and cherry trees are in full bloom and wildflowers abound. The unheated pool is most enjoyable in the sizzling June-August period, but might feel too chilly to jump into between November and March. From mid-January to mid-February, you can take advantage of the ski season at Oukeimenden, 40 minutes away.”

Our top tips

“Take warm clothes for evening star-gazing - temperatures cool as you approach the Atlas Mountains and nights here can be nippy, even in summer.

Don’t forget to tip the wonderful staff at the end of your stay - you’ll be sad to leave them!”

Rooms

Dar Tamazerte's stylish and airy rooms provide the perfect balance of privacy and communal space. The 4 ensuite bedrooms all open onto private terraces; three are in the main villa (2 doubles and a twin) and one is in the garden (a double with its own private entrance). Beds are firm but comfortable, with crisp cotton linen and fluffy pillows. Fresh flowers, organic toiletries, iPod docks and bathrobes add luxury.

At the top of a small tiled staircase, the soothing master double Green Room chimes with the expanse of olive groves stretching to the horizon. French doors open onto a roof terrace - perfect for a sunny breakfast or a star-spangled dinner. The bathroom has a rainhead shower, a double bathtub and plenty of natural light.

The ground-floor Red Room is a double decorated in restful earth tones. Photographs of old Morocco complement the dark-wood furniture. The bathroom has twin marble basins, a shower and a bathtub, and the outdoor terrace’s table for 2 is shaded and private.

The Twin Room, with its filigree lamps and wall murals, is spacious and cool. The ensuite shower room is finished in striking polished tadelakt, but taller guests may struggle with the low-mounted showerhead.

Since our visit, the Garden Room has been added. Located in the garden, it is perfect for those wanting a little extra privacy and direct access to the lawns - perfect for an early morning dip in the pool.

After dark we enjoyed curling up on the living room’s cream sofas, cosily arranged in front of the large wood-burning fire. Its shelves are filled with novels, games and films.

Features include:

Air conditioning

Bathrobes

Central heating

Cots Available

DVD player

Extra beds

Fireplace

Full kitchen

Hairdryer

Internet access

Ipod dock

Safe box

Swimming pool

Terrace

Toiletries

TV

Eating

A wide range of European and Moroccan flavours are available at Dar Tamazerte. The French-speaking Berber cook and housekeeper provide food and service to a high standard, from breakfast, lunch and dinner to simple poolside refreshments. Fresh flowers, linen tablecloths and fine china complement 2- or 3-course meals served alfresco on the shaded terraces, or indoors around the 8-seater dining table.

Lunch and dinner (additional cost) are cooked in consultation with guests, and special dietary requirements or fussy children are easily catered for. Many of the ingredients used come from the villa's garden, which has 60 mature olive trees. Cook Latifa’s specialities include traditional Moroccan cuisine such as bestella - a spectacular pie filled with saffron chicken, fried almonds and orange water. Her lemon chicken tagine with couscous was delicious, as was the fiery chickpea harira soup. She’s also adept at creating tasty French food and her baking skills are superb - her tarte aux pommes and orange cake are not to be missed.

If you tire of the fabulous home-cooking, there's a range of restaurants a short drive away. Towards Marrakech on the Ourika Valley road is the stylish Bo & Zin (25km away), which serves Asian, Moroccan and European cuisine amongst exotic gardens. For lunch, try Le Maquis. If you’re on a day trip to the Atlas Mountains, seek out the local’s favourite, Imouzzer. Restaurant reservations can be arranged by Dar Tamazerte’s staff.

Features include:

Breakfast

Children's meals

Dinner by arrangement

Full kitchen

In house cook

Lunch by arrangement

Organic produce

Activities

Laze by the pool in the shade of a curtained pergola, play tennis on the shared clay court (rackets are provided but you'll need to bring balls), or attempt a game of boules

Explore the beautiful Ourika Valley. Visit the terraced village of Setti Fatma, have lunch by the river, and walk to its 7 waterfalls. More strenuous treks can also be arranged via the concierge, as well as visits to Berber villages hidden in the lush hillsides via mule, camel or on foot

Head into Marrakech (half an hour’s drive away) and explore the wonders of the city. A personal shopper can be hired to escort you through the souks, and a knowledgeable English-speaking driver can show you the spectacular sights. We really enjoyed our guided day-long tour of Marrakech’s highlights

Go fishing - the deep mountain lakes have been known to yield some record-breaking catches for keen anglers

Brush up on your golf - there are 5 golf courses within a 30-40-minute drive, including the renowned Palmeria and Samanah courses

Embrace winter - Morocco’s only ski resort, Oukeimenden, lies at the end of the valley road (40 minutes away) and is at its snowy best from mid-January to mid-February. After a day on the slopes, warm yourself by Dar Tamazerte’s open fire

Activities on site or nearby include:

Boules

Fishing

Golf

Hiking

Historical sites

Horse riding

Hot air ballooning

Mountain biking

Plantlife / flora

Private guided tours

Shopping / markets

Skiing

Swimming

Tennis

Traditional cultures

Wildlife

Kids

Dar Tamazerte is a welcoming place for children, with 4 bedrooms and plenty of outdoor space, although very young kids will require supervision. A baby cot can be provided free of charge. There's plenty to keep kids entertained, including the tennis court, boules, games and DVD collection.

Dar Tamazerte is special - almost want to keep it a secret. Photos don't do the place justice; without doubt one of the finest accommodation we've stayed in. Loveliest ladies and so helpful in making our stay so relaxing and blissful.